5 Comments
User's avatar
Brooke Barrett's avatar

Exploring Ireland (my dad has citizenship) and Panama over the next few months with my dad who has Alzheimer's. We toured some senior communities in L.A., both well-regarded, but honestly depressing. He wants to stay in his own home with in-home care, but it's just not financially possible in the U.S. unless you are very wealthy. He raised me as a single parent and we don't have extended family, so abroad seems like the best fit. Cultures that want to prioritize quality of life over profit for seniors.

Anna De La Cruz's avatar

I’m sorry you’re in the same position of deciding between less-than-ideal options. Government support for in-home care would make so much sense for seniors, their families and our elder care crisis overall. Both my mother and disabled brother are in nonprofit assisted living facilities and I’ve found the quality of care to be higher than in for profit options.

Brooke Barrett's avatar

I'm sorry you've had to navigate so many systems. Our parents shouldn't have to essentially bankrupt themselves to recieve care. Our system here is so broken.

Elissa Strauss's avatar

Sorry to hear about your dad, Anna. ❤️

Anna De La Cruz's avatar

Thank you Elissa. Writing about it has helped my healing journey ❤️‍🩹